Lehigh men’s soccer seniors reflect on careers
10/23/2014 9:47:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's soccer senior class of four has certainly made its mark on the program. All four have seen significant action over their decorated careers, while enjoying success in the classroom as well. The group is looking to make its second Patriot League Tournament in its tenure, with hopes of leading the program to a Patriot League Championship.
With Senior Night set for Saturday against Army, Lehighsports.com caught up with the four seniors to reflect on their Lehigh careers.
#13 Ali Famili
An Earth and Environmental Science major from Orefield, Pa., Famili has been a key contributor right from the start of his Lehigh career. Famili started all 18 games of his freshman campaign, helped lead the team to a Patriot League Tournament appearance, and was part of a Lehigh defense that ranked No. 3 in the nation in shutout percentage and goals against average. Famili was named first team All-Patriot League and the team's Athlete of the Year following a successful sophomore campaign. Over the past two seasons, Famili has anchored a strong Lehigh midfield. A co-captain for this year's squad, Famili has proven to be a true leader on the pitch throughout his time at Lehigh.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
AF: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory would have to be our trip to California my freshman year. It was a great opportunity to play some good teams and enjoy the California weather.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AF: I have a great relationship with all the seniors. I've lived with Matt and Brian the past three years so we've all become close.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AF: Going into senior night, all I can think is that my time in college went by way too fast. It's been a pleasure being a part of this program, it all just went by so fast.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
AF: I'm going to miss being able to put on the Lehigh jersey every fall and competing for this university. I'm also going to miss the team atmosphere on and off the field.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AF: I plan on getting my masters, then working for an environmental engineering firm.
#1 Ciaran Nugent
Nugent, a finance and management double major from Dedham, Mass., has enjoyed one of the most decorated goalkeeper careers in Lehigh men's soccer history. He recorded a shutout with a five-save performance as a freshman in his first collegiate start. As a sophomore, Nugent was named the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, first team All-Patriot League and second team Mid-Atlantic All-Region after finishing the season ranked third in the nation in goals against average, save percentage and shutout percentage. He also set Lehigh's single-season shutout record during his sophomore campaign with 11 clean sheets. Nugent ranks within the top 20 of the NCAA's Division I active career shutout leaders and was named one of the final 30 finalists for the prestigious Senior CLASS award. One of the team's most esteemed leaders, Nugent served as a volunteer assistant coach a season ago while battling back from injury, and was named a co-captain of this year's squad.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
CN: The California trip my sophomore year in which we beat Stanford and tied No. 22 Cal. It was my favorite memory because of the venues, results, and the fun I had playing alongside my teammates that year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CN: Including Kevin Motylewski, this senior class took me in for my ninth semester in every way I could have hoped. Both Brian and Ali have played in front of me now in the defense, and Kevin and I had some good years together as goalkeepers. And Matt, well he is just the funniest of all of us, in my eyes. Playing and training alongside these guys, especially this year, has been nothing short of enjoyable.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CN: Winning our next Patriot League game against West Point is all I am focusing on.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
CN: I will definitely miss the guys on the team this year. I think its powerful in struggling and succeeding in ways with these guys over the last few years that will make me miss the times I truly enjoyed playing here.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CN: I will be pursuing a professional soccer career upon graduation. I am also considering future careers in finance or attending U.S. Navy BUD/SEAL training.
#14 Matt Shreiner
A finance major from Marietta, Ga., Shreiner has seen action in 35 games throughout his Lehigh career. Shreiner has shown what it means to be a true student-athlete as a two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member with a strong 3.34 GPA. He has proven to be a key member of the Lehigh midfield throughout his time in the brown and white. Shreiner unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury at Loyola a week ago, but will continue to cheer on Lehigh and his teammates from the sidelines.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
MS: During my sophomore year, I had the pleasure of watching Coach Michael Benn clear a ball off the goal line with his face to allow my team to bring home a big win during the traditional Lehigh Men's Soccer Italian League Championship.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MS: The four of us have become best friends over the past four years. We have been through a great deal of ups and downs and through these moments we have formed lifelong relationships.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MS: It's a surreal moment. It's hard to believe my competitive soccer career is over. College soccer has been large part of molding me into the person I am today and I am truly going to miss it. It is somewhat disappointing how my career ended, but what I have learned from the game will allow me to be successful as I enter the next stage in my life.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
MS: I am going to miss the long bus rides and being around the team on a daily basis. I have had the pleasure to play with a lot of great guys whom I have formed strong relationships with. However, the thing I will miss the most are the endless Coach Koski quotes that always seem to give me a good laugh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MS: I will be working for Morgan Stanley in their Sales & Trading division starting in 2015.
#7 Brian Suchoski
Suchoski has been a key contributor right from the start of his Lehigh career. He appeared in all 18 games during his freshman campaign while making 17 starts and totaling five points. Suchoski earned Patriot League Rookie of the Week recognition after scoring two goals in key wins for the Mountain Hawks. He led the team in shots on goal during his sophomore season and continued to excel as a junior. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Suchoski has proven that it's possible to succeed in athletics and academics as he holds a strong 3.42 GPA in his computer engineering major.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
BS: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory was scoring my first goal freshman year. I can clearly remember the play and putting the ball past the goalkeeper. I was so happy. It was a very special moment for me that I will always remember.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BS: Ciaran, Ali and Matt are a great group of guys who I've had the privilege of getting to know during my career at Lehigh. We constantly joke with one another and share some good laughs. We've been through a lot together and, as a reward, it has shaped us into the individuals we are today. They're a crazy but fun group and having them by my side for my career has truly been an awesome experience.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BS: I can't believe I will be playing my last home game as a Lehigh soccer player. Time flies by. I can remember suiting up for freshman year's pre-season as if it was yesterday. Although my time in the brown and white is near its end, it's not over and I'm excited to make the most of it and enjoy it while I still can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
BS: I will certainly miss the team camaraderie and the atmosphere of being part of competitive Division I athletic program. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh University has truly been a rewarding experience and I am extremely grateful to have had such an opportunity in my life. I have developed great friendships with my teammates over the past four years that I will always cherish.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BS: I will be working for J.P. Morgan Chase in their application development division.
With Senior Night set for Saturday against Army, Lehighsports.com caught up with the four seniors to reflect on their Lehigh careers.
#13 Ali Famili
An Earth and Environmental Science major from Orefield, Pa., Famili has been a key contributor right from the start of his Lehigh career. Famili started all 18 games of his freshman campaign, helped lead the team to a Patriot League Tournament appearance, and was part of a Lehigh defense that ranked No. 3 in the nation in shutout percentage and goals against average. Famili was named first team All-Patriot League and the team's Athlete of the Year following a successful sophomore campaign. Over the past two seasons, Famili has anchored a strong Lehigh midfield. A co-captain for this year's squad, Famili has proven to be a true leader on the pitch throughout his time at Lehigh.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
AF: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory would have to be our trip to California my freshman year. It was a great opportunity to play some good teams and enjoy the California weather.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AF: I have a great relationship with all the seniors. I've lived with Matt and Brian the past three years so we've all become close.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AF: Going into senior night, all I can think is that my time in college went by way too fast. It's been a pleasure being a part of this program, it all just went by so fast.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
AF: I'm going to miss being able to put on the Lehigh jersey every fall and competing for this university. I'm also going to miss the team atmosphere on and off the field.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AF: I plan on getting my masters, then working for an environmental engineering firm.
#1 Ciaran Nugent
Nugent, a finance and management double major from Dedham, Mass., has enjoyed one of the most decorated goalkeeper careers in Lehigh men's soccer history. He recorded a shutout with a five-save performance as a freshman in his first collegiate start. As a sophomore, Nugent was named the Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year, first team All-Patriot League and second team Mid-Atlantic All-Region after finishing the season ranked third in the nation in goals against average, save percentage and shutout percentage. He also set Lehigh's single-season shutout record during his sophomore campaign with 11 clean sheets. Nugent ranks within the top 20 of the NCAA's Division I active career shutout leaders and was named one of the final 30 finalists for the prestigious Senior CLASS award. One of the team's most esteemed leaders, Nugent served as a volunteer assistant coach a season ago while battling back from injury, and was named a co-captain of this year's squad.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
CN: The California trip my sophomore year in which we beat Stanford and tied No. 22 Cal. It was my favorite memory because of the venues, results, and the fun I had playing alongside my teammates that year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CN: Including Kevin Motylewski, this senior class took me in for my ninth semester in every way I could have hoped. Both Brian and Ali have played in front of me now in the defense, and Kevin and I had some good years together as goalkeepers. And Matt, well he is just the funniest of all of us, in my eyes. Playing and training alongside these guys, especially this year, has been nothing short of enjoyable.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CN: Winning our next Patriot League game against West Point is all I am focusing on.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
CN: I will definitely miss the guys on the team this year. I think its powerful in struggling and succeeding in ways with these guys over the last few years that will make me miss the times I truly enjoyed playing here.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CN: I will be pursuing a professional soccer career upon graduation. I am also considering future careers in finance or attending U.S. Navy BUD/SEAL training.
#14 Matt Shreiner
A finance major from Marietta, Ga., Shreiner has seen action in 35 games throughout his Lehigh career. Shreiner has shown what it means to be a true student-athlete as a two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member with a strong 3.34 GPA. He has proven to be a key member of the Lehigh midfield throughout his time in the brown and white. Shreiner unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury at Loyola a week ago, but will continue to cheer on Lehigh and his teammates from the sidelines.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
MS: During my sophomore year, I had the pleasure of watching Coach Michael Benn clear a ball off the goal line with his face to allow my team to bring home a big win during the traditional Lehigh Men's Soccer Italian League Championship.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MS: The four of us have become best friends over the past four years. We have been through a great deal of ups and downs and through these moments we have formed lifelong relationships.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MS: It's a surreal moment. It's hard to believe my competitive soccer career is over. College soccer has been large part of molding me into the person I am today and I am truly going to miss it. It is somewhat disappointing how my career ended, but what I have learned from the game will allow me to be successful as I enter the next stage in my life.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
MS: I am going to miss the long bus rides and being around the team on a daily basis. I have had the pleasure to play with a lot of great guys whom I have formed strong relationships with. However, the thing I will miss the most are the endless Coach Koski quotes that always seem to give me a good laugh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MS: I will be working for Morgan Stanley in their Sales & Trading division starting in 2015.
#7 Brian Suchoski
Suchoski has been a key contributor right from the start of his Lehigh career. He appeared in all 18 games during his freshman campaign while making 17 starts and totaling five points. Suchoski earned Patriot League Rookie of the Week recognition after scoring two goals in key wins for the Mountain Hawks. He led the team in shots on goal during his sophomore season and continued to excel as a junior. A three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member, Suchoski has proven that it's possible to succeed in athletics and academics as he holds a strong 3.42 GPA in his computer engineering major.
What's your favorite Lehigh soccer memory up until this point?
BS: My favorite Lehigh soccer memory was scoring my first goal freshman year. I can clearly remember the play and putting the ball past the goalkeeper. I was so happy. It was a very special moment for me that I will always remember.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BS: Ciaran, Ali and Matt are a great group of guys who I've had the privilege of getting to know during my career at Lehigh. We constantly joke with one another and share some good laughs. We've been through a lot together and, as a reward, it has shaped us into the individuals we are today. They're a crazy but fun group and having them by my side for my career has truly been an awesome experience.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BS: I can't believe I will be playing my last home game as a Lehigh soccer player. Time flies by. I can remember suiting up for freshman year's pre-season as if it was yesterday. Although my time in the brown and white is near its end, it's not over and I'm excited to make the most of it and enjoy it while I still can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh soccer?
BS: I will certainly miss the team camaraderie and the atmosphere of being part of competitive Division I athletic program. Being a student-athlete at Lehigh University has truly been a rewarding experience and I am extremely grateful to have had such an opportunity in my life. I have developed great friendships with my teammates over the past four years that I will always cherish.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BS: I will be working for J.P. Morgan Chase in their application development division.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Soccer
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